Key #3 – Escape the Game Injury-Free
I’ll be quite honest, I’ll be shocked and very disappointed if the Jazz don’t come away victorious against the Suns in tonight’s bout. Utah’s depth should be able to overwhelm Phoenix and their experience and talent should be more than their struggling foe can handle. Therefore, perhaps an even bigger goal aside from simply winning the game should be that the Jazz get out of Talking Stick Resort Arena without any injuries.
Such hasn’t been the case in some recent bouts with the Suns as the young and oft times reckless team has caused the Jazz some issues injury-wise of late. In preseason, T.J. Warren collided with Dante Exum on an unnecessary contest causing him to fall awkwardly on his shoulder which ultimately led to a need for surgery. Exum’s recovery timetable still has yet to be solidified, but it’s possible that he could be lost for the season.
Last year, former Jazz point guard George Hill also had an unfortunate run-in with the Suns as a vicious Alex Len elbow to the face caused a concussion and sent Hill’s teeth through his lower lip, causing him to miss several games after. Therefore, in what should be an easy win for the Jazz, it will be absolutely crucial that along with running away with the victory, they also find a way to avoid any unnecessary scrapes and leave the game as healthy as they came in.